And the club's director of football Onder Ozen has confirmed the interest, saying: 'Papiss Cisse is a player I really like.

Targeted: Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse is attracting the interest of Turkish side Besiktas

'He's the type of player who could really make a difference at Besiktas. We are considering three players right now.'

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is ready let the Senegal international leave St James' Park this month, but wants in the region of £10million.

Deal-fixer Muzzi Ozcan, who has close links with Turkey's top clubs, flew to Istanbul last Thursday in an attempt to broker a move.

Besiktas chairman Fikret Orman wants to land a top name signing this month having missed out on Ronaldinho, who after looking set to join the Turkish club penned a new contract at Atletico Mineiro.

Out in the cold: Papiss Cisse has struggled for first-team football at St James' Park this season

Cisse is one of the names on the club's hit list this month, but whether Newcastle are willing to let him leave on loan is unclear, though the club are certainly listening to offers for permanent transfers.

Newcastle's £10m valuation of the 28-year-old could prove a stumbling block for Besiktas, who are willing to stretch to £7.5m if the Magpies refuse to agree to a loan.

Likewise, it is understood Cisse wants a salary of around £3m after tax once he agrees his next permanent move.

In form: French striker Loic Remy, on loan from QPR, has been impressive for Newcastle this season

Thumbs up: Newcastle boss Alan Pardew would be happy to sell Papiss Cisse for around £10million

Cisse saw a proposed move to Qatari side Al Rayyan collapse last week over Newcastle's asking price, while the Geordies have also considered using the striker as a makeweight in their move for Borussia Monchengladbach striker Luuk de Jong.

Cisse has scored just one Barclays Premier League goal this season, a penalty against Stoke on Boxing Day.